Stouffville Mayor Iain Lovatt is exploring the possibility of bringing 18-seat electric buses to the town through Argo, a Canadian transit technology company known for its on-demand, app-driven service model. Speaking at his annual town hall earlier this month, Lovatt said he has already initiated conversations with Argo about expanding local transit options, particularly in the downtown area.
Lovatt noted that while York Region has a strong overall transit network, communities like Stouffville have struggled with limited service. He described Argo as a “cool, innovative company” that could significantly boost local transit usage by offering more flexible and convenient service. He has introduced the company to regional staff to explore potential partnerships.
Argo has already rolled out its system in Bradford West Gwillimbury and partnered with Brampton. The model uses an app — or a phone line for those who prefer to call — allowing residents to request a ride near their home at standard transit fare prices. Routes are automatically generated in real time based on rider demand, with algorithmic routing designed to minimize cost and travel time. In Bradford, the fleet is fully electric, and rides cost just $1 with the app or $3 in cash.
Argo CEO Praveen Arichandran has said the company’s mission is to design cities around people rather than cars, ensuring access to work, education, healthcare, and family without requiring expensive vehicle ownership. He argues that public transit must evolve into the most convenient way to travel within and between communities.
Stouffville’s transit network has faced challenges in recent years. York Region Transit cancelled Route 15 during the pandemic due to low ridership, reducing east-west connectivity. However, Lovatt noted that ridership on Route 9 — which travels down Ninth Line into Markham — has increased, and service hours are being expanded.
The mayor also pointed residents to existing mobility options. YRT’s Mobility On Request service is available daily from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., offering near-door pickups for the price of a regular bus fare — a far more affordable option than rideshares like Uber.
With interest building and partnerships already underway in nearby municipalities, Stouffville could soon see modern, small-scale electric buses reshaping how residents move through the town.
